6 Travel Pillows That Actually Work

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The frequent fliers at SmarterTravel have tested hundreds of travel neck pillows, and most fall short of their promises, leaving us tired and sore on long flights. After extensive trials, we’ve discovered just six that truly deliver. These standout options prevent the dreaded head bob and offer the best chance of a decent night’s sleep while sitting upright in coach. Here are our top six recommended neck pillows for travel.

FLOWZOOM Air Pillow

Most travel pillows feature an awkward U-shaped design that pushes your neck too far forward, making it uncomfortable to rest. The FLOWZOOM solves this problem with its innovative H-shape design, offering superior ergonomic support. Its flat-back design prevents your head from being forced forward, while the high sides provide ample support to eliminate head bobbing. You can wear it in multiple positions to find your perfect fit, and it even includes a detachable hood to block out light and noise during your flight. Thanks to a special valve, the pillow inflates in just three breaths and deflates compactly for easy portability.

Cabeau Air Evolution Inflatable Neck Pillow

If you find most inflatable neck pillows are too low to give you any real neck support, try the Air Evolution by Cabeau. It features raised sides that will allow you to comfortably rest your head to either side, plus a toggle in the center to keep the pillow firmly in place. 

Despite the extra height, the pillow only takes a few breaths to inflate, and packs down into a small carrying pouch.

Trtl Pillow Cool

Prefer a little more structure to your neck pillow? The Trtl Pillow Cool is perfect for side sleepers looking for extra support. This uniquely designed pillow uses a firm but flexible structure that can be tucked on top of your shoulder and leaned on, providing a solid resting place for your chin.

The new cool version of Trtl’s cult-favorite travel pillow introduces an airmesh venting panel and chilly fabric that will help hot sleepers feel better. 

Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Travel Pillow

Most inflatable u-shaped pillows don’t stay in place. Sea to Summit’s Aeros Ultralight travel pillow introduces a simple solution to this problem—an adjustable snap that secures the pillow around your neck, preventing sliding.

Weighing just 2.4 ounces and packing down into a case roughly the size of your palm, the Aeros is a great choice for travelers who prefer to travel lightly.

Cloudz Microbead Travel Pillow

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best one. The Cloudz Microbead Travel Pillow is full of soft, squishy beads that allow travelers to shape the pillow into a custom design that best fits their needs. It works particularly well if you score the window seat and can lean against the wall of the plane. 

Bonus: this pillow can also be used as a back pillow for lumbar support.  

Cushion Lab Travel Pillow

If you’re willing to sacrifice portability for comfort, you’ll love Cushion Lab’s Travel Pillow. Made from an extra-dense memory foam, this pillow wraps around your neck for 360-degree support in any sleeping position. 

The ergonomic design fits under your chin to cradle your head without pushing it forward. Although this travel pillow is larger than an inflatable one, it does pack down to be about the size of a coffee mug, and it includes a carabiner so you can attach it to your suitcase for easy transport.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

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